Valiant Effort by Spartan Defense Not Enough in 17-7 Loss to Rochester

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Five sacks and three forced turnovers weren't enough as the Case Western Reserve University football team lost 17-7 to visiting University of Rochester (N.Y.) in its 2011 home-opener on Saturday, September 10 at Case Field.

The Spartans drop to 1-1 overall heading into a bye week. Rochester moves to 1-0.

Rochester quarterback Braezen Subick completed 15-of-25 passes for 241 yards while running back Clarence Onyiriuka rushed for 64 yards and a score. Linebacker Brendan Pidgeon led the defense with six tackles and two interceptions.

The first quarter went scoreless with Spartan junior linebacker Kevin Nossem (Munster, Ind./Munster) foiling the biggest scoring threat with an interception deep in Case territory.

Rochester broke the tie in the second when Onyiriuka rushed into the endzone from two yards out with 6:02 left in the half. The score was set up a play earlier when Subick hooked up with Jared Hilton for a 34-yard pass.

The Yellowjackets doubled their lead later in the period when Subick connected on a 25-yard TD pass with Thomas Hayes to cap a seven-play, 61-yard drive. Alex Antonucci's second extra point made the score 14-0 with 1:08 remaining in the half.

On the ensuing kickoff, U of R forced a Spartan fumble, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty pushed the Yellowjackets back and the CWRU defense was able to hold, keeping the deficit at 14.

At half, Rochester led in total yards 230-67.

The Spartan offense got going temporarily on the opening drive of the second half and found the endzone at the 8:35 mark when senior tight end Bryce Coleman (Solon, Ohio/Solon) took a quick reverse and rushed in from three yards out – his first career rushing TD. The drive covered 70 yards on nine plays and senior Daniel Vasil (Erie, Pa./McDowell) added the point after to make the score 14-7.

Unfortunately, the Case offense couldn't generate another score and Rochester was able to seal the deal with an Antonucci field goal with 00:07 left on the clock.

The Spartans are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Denison University at 1:00 p.m.